The Canucks Are Coming!
Fresh off a 2 - 0 victory over San Jose in their home opener last week, the Galaxy now set their sights on Toronto FC.
Our friends from the Great White North had a tough first year in MLS, but are looking to make some noise this year. Earlier this month, Toronto signed French international Laurent Robert, then, on Wednesday announced the signing of one time MLS MVP Amado "El Lobo" Guevara.
Guevara not only has a point to make about his ability to play in MLS, but he also has a habit of being a thorn in the Galaxy's side. One of his best MLS moments was his single handed dismantling of the Galaxy while playing for New York. However, El Lobo also has a history of not being the most mentally disciplined player on the pitch. Guevara will be available for Sunday's game and Toronto's success will heavily depend on which Guevara decides to show up.
If the June 2004 Guevara makes his presence known, the Galaxy defense will be in for a long afternoon.
For the Galaxy, the issues head coach Ruud Gullit is facing mostly revolve around his choices for this Sunday's starting line up.
Rookie Sean Franklin showed great poise in the home opener, stepping in for the suspended veteran Abel Xavier and playing the full ninety in a solid defensive performance. He showed the desire and ability to play as a starter.
In reference to Franklin, Gullit said "I was extremely happy with Sean. He was really, really good."
Will he be in the starting eleven on Sunday? We'll find out soon enough.
In other Galaxy news, midfielder Alvaro Pires, who along with rookie Brandon McDonald put in excellent performances against San Jose, is doubtful for the match against Toronto due to injury.
His inability to play against Toronto may make it easier for Gullit to keep Franklin in the line up as the Galaxy will need Franklin's speed to contend with Guevara's play making abilities and offensive threats.
Carlos Ruiz will continue to be sidelined for a few more weeks, but the Galaxy offense seemed to show little effects from his absence in the team's last game. Should the Galaxy be able to show the same offensive cohesiveness they demonstrated against San Jose, we should see the blue and gold take the victory.
Regardless of the result, the Galaxy - Toronto match up promises to be an entertaining game, and the Galaxy is running a great promo to boot! So lets get out there and support the blue and gold!
See you at the game! (and don't forget your sunscreen)
GO GALAXY!!
Game Details:
Venue: Home Depot Center, Carson
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2008
Time: 12:00 PM
Photo by tu_holmes via Flickr